Rapid cytodiagnosis of endoscopic biopsy specimens in gastrooesophageal malignancy.

Squash cytology has been used extensively in examining central nervous system lesions. Recently this technique has been employed in examining endoscopic biopsy specimens. This study was conducted to assess the diagnostic value of squash cytology of biopsy samples from gastrooesophageal malignancies, and to evaluate the efficacy of Leishman's stain for rapid cytologic evaluation of squash preparations. One hundred and fifty five patients with oesophageal or gastric malignancy were subjected to endoscopic biopsy. The first biopsy specimen from each patient was crushed between two glass slides for cytologic evaluation. The smears were stained with Leishman's and Papanicolaou's stains. The results of squash cytology were then compared with histopathology. A positive diagnosis of malignancy was obtained by histology in 146 cases (94.2%) and by squash cytology in 141 cases (90.9%), by both Leishman's and Papanicolaou's staining. In 12 cases (7%) cytology revealed 'suspicious cells'. Histology plus squash cytology together gave a positive yield in 153 cases (98.7%). In 7 cases (4.5%) although squash cytology was positive for malignancy, hispathologic study failed to reveal malignancy. Squash cytology is a useful adjunct to conventional endoscopic biopsy for gastrooesophageal malignancy. This technique which does not require any additional effort or equipment may add to the diagnostic yield besides expediting the workup. Leishman's staining, which is simple, quick and inexpensive is as efficacious as Papanicolaou's method for squash cytology.

Cell mediated immune status in carcinoma breast.

Thirty six cases of carcinoma breast were subjected to the assessment of CMI status by estimating different T lymphocyte parameters. The mean TPLC, T% and TTC in case of carcinoma were 1955/mm3 blood, 41% and 825/mm3 blood respectively which are evidently depressed than that of controls. This depression is progressive and clinical stage related, the least being in stage I and the most being in stage IV. The infiltrating varieties revealed a significant depression of T lymphocyte values than the non-infiltrating ones. Among the infiltrating types, IDC (T-38.9%) and Muc. Ca (T-29.1%) revealed most significant depression, thereby indicating worst prognosis. Six cases of IDCS, 2 cases of Medullary Ca and a solitary case of comedo Ca revealed a significant lymphocyte infiltration into the tumour cell mass proper. There was a depressed lymphocyte values but of lesser magnitude indicating a better prognosis. 6 cases without metastasis (clinical St. I) showed a lesser degree of depressed CMI than the cases with metastasis.

Association of hepatitis B virus with chronic liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma.

The idea of hepatitis-cirrhosis-hepatocellular carcinoma sequence in liver was proposed by the workers in tropical Africa, the homeland of hepatocellular carcinoma. The discovery of Australia antigen by Blumberg et al provided the missing link and it was observed by several workers as well as the present group that Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBSAg) and that to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is someway related with the incidence of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Experimental pheohyphomycosis and mycotoxicosis by Curvularia lunata in albino rats.

A rice contaminating fungus 'Curvularia lunata' yields 'Curvularin', a potent mycotoxin. Experimental Pheohyphomycosis and Mycotoxicosis were observed in albino rats. Spore suspension produced localised lesion; with simultaneous steroid therapy produced lesion in distant organs. Mycotoxin, Curvularin, produced hepatic necrosis.